Aira Force

Aira Force is a relatively modest, but spectacular, waterfall with a 65 foot drop set amongst what was once fairly cultivated parkland. The waterfall starts where the Aira Beck tumbles off the high fells vertically in a noisy gush of white foam, on its way down to Ullswater. ‘Aira’ allegedly comes from the Old Norse words eyrr for ‘gravel bank’ and á, meaning ‘river. Fors is also a Norse word, common in these parts, meaning – wait for it – ‘waterfall’. It is a lovely spot and, hence, very popular. A pleasant (though relatively steep) walk to the top of the falls from a car park. There is a charge for parking, except for members of the National Trust. Most people travel by car, but there is a network of trails nearby with some great views. You can even get there by ferry from Glenridding. By car, the route is either via Kirkstone Pass on the A592 from either Windermere or Ambleside, or from the A66 between Penrith and Keswick, on the A5091 through Dockray.